2 questions....

how does just changing the cam give you more HP?

What do you recommend as a mild cam to put in...want to keep my 01 coupe A4 driveable and don't want the engine shaking...all recommendations are appreciated. Looking to spend $1500 or less including install. I have a vararam and corsa catback... thanks :seeya

 

Simple answewr: A cam adds power by opening the valves further, quicker, and for a longer duration of time.

Move more air in, move more air out = make more hp.

There is a TON of great cams out there, and for what you want (mild), I would look for something in the 220 to 222 duration ballpark on a 114 LSA. Any more than that and you'll definitely need tuning (which would put you over your budget) and may have some detectable lope at idle.

Look at the various tuner's websites to your left and browse the many cams. Most will have a good description of what a particular cam offers for performance, rpm range, and drivability characteristics. The duration number is what tends to make a cam mild or wild. The LSA also has an effect, typically, a low LSA (112 or less) will have a rougher idle all else being equal.

I'm sure a lot of people will chime in with specific cam recommendations, but my suggestion is to take some time and research cams and better understand their numbers, so that you know the one that is going into your engine will have the desired effect you want.


:cheers:

 

In very basic terms, a cam keeps the air flowing in/out of the engine longer.

An LS6 cam is zero hassle, but also has the least payoff at about 20-25rwhp. Parts total would be maybe $300, plus install.

Otherwise, call whatever shop is going to be doing the install and see what they recommend, as you're probably gonna have to buy the parts from them anyway if you expect them to do the labor. Custom cams and higher rate springs will probably run a good $700-$1000 for parts. Expect $300-$500 for labor.


[Modified by jmX, 6:03 PM 3/23/2004]